From Moyross to the TV screen: Limerick Traveller actor on starring ...

“I still can’t believe it,” Thomas said, his voice brimming with excitement. “The whole experience felt like a dream. Everyone on set was so supportive, from the crew to the cast. It was electric.”

The short film, which screened this Thursday night, was adapted from a short story written by the talented Limerick writer.

However, Thomas’s road to acting wasn’t conventional. Originally from Moyross and a proud member of the Irish Traveller community, he’s overcome personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and mental health.

Thomas lost his father at just 11 years old and has experienced the profound loss of numerous family members over the years. “Being a Traveller, you have big families,” he shares. “I often have three anniversaries in the same month.”

Despite these hardships, he is determined to achieve his personal goals. “I’ve experienced so much darkness,” he says. “Now, I want to see what the light looks like.”

His battle with alcoholism was a pivotal turning point for the aspiring creative. “I used to be an alcoholic, but I’ve been sober for eight years now,” he explains. “After I gave up drinking, I was watching a movie and thought, ‘I could do that.’”

That spark led him to the Limerick School of Acting, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of Nigel Mercier.

A standout moment came early in his training when he performed a monologue that left his teacher and classmates in awe. “I got a standing ovation, and Nigel asked if I wanted to perform on stage in Dolan’s. That’s when I realized acting was my calling.”

The Moyross man’s role in Did You Read About Erskine Fogarty began with a self-tape audition.

He recalls the process vividly: “They loved the tape and called me back twice to try the role in different ways. The character I play, Titmilk Sarsfield, is hyperactive, full of energy, and speaks in a thick Limerick accent. I loved creating his voice and personality.”

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Working alongside Irish star Robert Sheehan was another major highlight for the up-and-comer. “I had scenes with him, and he was so down-to-earth. After one emotional take, he told me, ‘Thomas, you made me cry. That was perfect.’ Hearing that from someone like him was incredible,” recalled the Limerick man.

Beyond acting, Thomas is an aspiring rapper and a mentor to young people in the Traveller community. He’s spent the past three years facilitating workshops, teaching Traveller children how to rap, act, and draw. “Just because you’re a Traveller doesn’t mean you can’t achieve great things,” he says. “I want to show the younger generation what’s possible.”

As a man who openly struggles with ADHD, insomnia and bipolar disorder, his life experiences fuels both his music and acting. “I write lyrics that come from my experiences — the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s about finding a universal way to connect with people.”

Thomas’s debut has already drawn praise from his friends, family, and other actors, but he’s by no means resting on his laurels.

“This is just the beginning,” he says. “I’m obsessed with improving, whether it’s writing new music, creating characters, or hitting the gym. I’ve learned you have to invest every fibre of your being into what you love.”